The Boys Next Door

The Cedar Theatre program premiered their first production of the year on Oct. 23. A dramatic comedy about the lives of four men with mental disabilities who live together, “The Boys Next Door” also focuses on their caregiver Jacqueline, who struggles to navigate her own dreams and challenges while taking care of them. 

The play starred sophomore Marten Schut as Arnold Wiggins, senior Jacorrion Smith as Lucien P. Smith, junior Allan Halstead as Norman Balanksy, and sophomore Alex Buckley as Karen Warren and Sheila. Drama students hosted two performances, on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 at 6:30 P.M. 

The play is comedic, but it also has serious themes. Cedar Theater teacher Rosemary Milsap hopes it entertained and educated the audience.

“It’s a sweet show, and there are moments that are funny. I think the show offers a lot of opportunities to be entertained, but also an opportunity to really think about people who have to deal with these types of illnesses,” Milsap said.

Senior Saniah Norton, who played Jaqueline Palmer, was also excited to put on the show.

“It’s really educational, but it’s also really funny. You will learn a lot from this kind of play, and anyone can enjoy it,” Norton said.

The cast and crew have been very influential in shaping Cedar’s production of the play. Senior Salem Hogue, student director, has been especially important.

“I’ve been really appreciative of Salem’s leadership, and I’ve been really appreciative of my very mature cast, who have been absolutely focused on creating empathetic portrayals of people with disabilities,” Milsap said.